Simplicity/Beginnings-M/L**[COMPLETE]**

[hoLLyBEHRy]

*first, thank you so much to deborah (lovalien) for helping me out with this chapter. i was having major writer's block. if it hadn't been for her, you all might have been waiting for days for this update. so, thanks, deborah. i did tweak it slightly, but not much. second, sorry it's taken me so long to update, because aside from the writer's block, spring break's started and i've been getting to sleep late and waking up late and do you notice how i'm stalling you guys from reading right now? LoL. i don't mean to. go on. read! thanks you guys!!!*

Chapter 40: Part 2

{Max}

“She told you to get off!” I growled. I marched into the room, tossing the contents in my hand onto the empty bed.

“Who the fuck are you?!” Logan demanded to know.

He got off Liz and she immediately sat up and recognized me. “Max!” she said relieved.

“Max?” Logan wondered.

I gave a solid nod and stared down my prey. I knew hitting someone was something that I shouldn’t do right now, but I think this guy was going to deserve it.



I arrived at Winnaman Academy twenty minutes earlier. It was a rather large campus. Finding the dormitory took me a good ten minutes. I walked around the first floor and looked around in amazement. I wondered how I would be able to find Liz in such a large building with several rooms. Yet, somehow, I could feel Liz’s presence, like she was calling out to me, but the building was near dead silent.

Liz wasn’t on the first floor, that much I knew. I began my scale up the grand staircase, looking up at the next floor as I did. There were probably six or seven floors, meaning there were a lot of stairs to climb. I hoped that I would find Liz on the second floor.

No luck there. I had made my way through the large hallways, which were completely empty, almost deserted. I hadn’t seen anybody on campus at all. Here in the dormitory, all the doors closed and all the lights off. Honestly, the emptiness of it all creeped me out.

I quickly left the second floor and jogged up the stairs to the third floor. The hallway lights were on, but the story was the same as the second floor. Each door shut and all the dorm lights out. I immediately thought to turn around, but something in the back of the mind told me not to. Hesitantly, I walked down the hall. Even though the hallway lights were on, I felt a nervous sensation creep down my spine, making the hair on the back of my neck sit straight up.

The closer I was to the end of the hall, the more horrible of a feeling I had. I could hear the sound of a bed creaking and moans, maybe pleas. For a moment, I didn’t want to find out what was behind the door with the sounds, but it called out to me. I believed Liz was behind the door, but then I didn’t want to believe it because of the sounds I heard.

“Get off!”

It was Liz. I had quickly rushed over to the door, used my powers to let myself in, and stood in the doorway as the hallway light lit the room and Liz in bed with another guy.

He was hovering over her, kissing her neck and continuing to move his hand up Liz’s blouse. I closed my eyes tight, trying to remove the painful image from my mind.

However, as I re-opened them her words—no, pleas—seemed to register in my mind. Her tear-streaked face confirmed my fears. She was crying, light tears rolled down along her cheeks and spilled on the mattress.

I saw how this guy seemed to maintain her and what was happening was suddenly clear in my mind. I didn’t care about what could have happened before and had led them here, all I could see was that he was hurting her. Nobody deserved to have something like that happening to them, least of all Liz. She had been hurt enough.

She was fighting him off and pleading with him to stop but despite her protest he was still running his hand over her breast and her body as if it belonged to him. My blood boiled in my veins as I saw the scene before me. I don’t know if you can imagine the rage that coursed through you when you witness something like that.

I wanted to hurt him and make him pay for what he would have done if…if—I couldn’t think about it. The urge was so strong it made me afraid of what I could do if I didn’t control myself. My rage and hatred for this man was burning me inside and I felt like a volcano ready to erupt.

I knew I could do a lot of damage. My rage was almost a tangible thing and it only wanted to be let loose, to help the one my heart was burning for and that’s when I spoke.



“She told you to stop harassing her,” I snarled. “You were going to rape her.”

I watched the blonde crawl off the bed and walk towards me. He stood about a foot away from me, allowing me to survey him. He was about my height and a little heavier, more built. He could probably take me down with one good punch, but the rage I was feeling gave me the confidence to take the guy down.

“Why don’t you just leave us alone?” Logan said coolly. “Liz left New Mexico because of you. She moved across the country, just to get away from you,” he said, placing emphasis every time he said “you”.

I wanted to punch him right then, just one good swing, but something reflecting the light caught my eye. I looked down at his waist and noticed he was holding a knife. Liz noticed it too.

“What are you doing with a knife, Logan?” Liz questioned.

“It’s for protection,” he snapped without taking his eyes off of mine.

Liz continued to focus on the reasons why the dangerous man had a weapon instead of focusing on how to get it out of the dangerous man’s hands. “You lied,” she realized. “Did you lie about your brother being shot, almost dying?”

“That was true,” Logan said, still staring at me. “That’s exactly why I need the protection. Now, I’m protecting you, Liz.”

I clenched my jaw shut and stared Logan down just like he stared me down. The heat in my body rushed to my face, which I knew was turning red. We stood stationary, like statues.

“Just put the knife down,” I ordered.

“Why are you here, Max?” Logan asked. “Are you still begging for forgiveness for knocking someone else up? Liz told me about that.”

My fortified stance weakened slightly as I finally took my eyes off Logan to look at Liz. I wasn’t saddened by the fact that she was telling everybody about the hugest mistake of my life. I was saddened because it appeared that Liz was still upset about my mistake even though she told me that she wanted to move past it. I didn’t care about myself, I cared about Liz. I was sad because Liz was sad.

“I told you, Max,” Logan said tauntingly. “She doesn’t want you. That’s why she got on a plane and flew over here. You didn’t make a mistake by sleeping with someone else. Liz is the one that made the mistake by being with you.”

That was the last straw. I couldn’t let Logan put any sort of blame on Liz. My fist hit his face like an oncoming train, it happened so fast. Logan fell to the floor, the knife dropping out of his hand. I thought that the first thing I would notice after punching Logan would be my aching hand, but that pain was nothing compared to the one in my chest.

In the center of my chest, I felt a searing pain like someone was burning my flesh with a branding iron. I remembered this feeling. It was just like the one I felt when I was in the White Room when a scalpel ran down my chest, cutting my skin. This current pain was a million times stronger and more excruciating. I looked back down at an unconscious Logan and noticed the knife not too far away from his hand. The blade was covered in blood.

[hoLLyBEHRy]

Chapter 41

[Liz]

Max's blood. It was his blood on the knife and on the floor. My eyes went from the knife to Max. He stumbled to the floor, clutching his chest, applying pressure on his stab wound.

“Oh my God!” I whispered to myself in shock. I ran to his side, getting on my knees and putting my arms around him to support him up. “Max…I’ve got to get help.”

“No,” he refused. He rolled onto his back and into my lap. For the first time, I got a good view of his chest. His shirts were already soaked with his blood and so was his hand that he continued to hold over the wound. “Don’t leave,” he begged. His voice was becoming frail and unsteady.

“Max…” I put my hand over his blood coated hand, which was sticky but slippery at the same time. “Max, it looks bad,” I said, my voice just as weak and uneven. “I—I think you might’ve been stabbed near the heart. We need help.”

“Stay, please,” he begged. He already began his struggle for air. “Don’t leave me.”

If I didn’t get help, Max was going to bleed to death in my arms. I looked into his eyes, which were filling so fast with tears and fear. Max really didn’t want me to leave him alone. He had reason to feel that way.

I shook my head. “I won’t,” I finally caved. “Does it hurt?”

Max shook his head. “Not anymore,” he smiled. Then he closed his eyes tight, trying his best to show no hurt. “This is the last thing I thought would have happened in Vermont,” he coughed. “I thought all the danger was in Roswell, but I guess it follows me everywhere. This is what I get for punching two guys in one week,” he laughed feebly.

“That’s not funny,” I told him.

He nodded apologetically. “I’m sorry.”

Slowly, the tremors began as Max continued to lose more blood. I could feel the warmth of his body escaping under my hand. Yet, his forehead was a different story. It was burning up and the sweat forming near his hairline wasn’t serving its purpose as a cooling mechanism. As I combed Max's hair with my hand, I’d wipe the sweat away, but it would quickly seep through his pores by the time my hand made it back to his forehead. He continued to shake and struggle for air.

Watching him suffer, watching him weak, brought tears to my eyes. I could feel his pain, a burning, aching sensation in my chest, in my heart.

“Max, why did you come here?” I whimpered.

“You…left your present...in my car. I wanted…I wanted to give it to you since you forgot it,” he grinned. He fought so hard to speak, having to swallow down the blood that came up through his throat. “And…um…,” he said, forcing down another lump in his throat, “because…because I had this…feeling that I…that I needed to see you. I…I wanted to…see you. And…I wanted there to be a chance for us to try again,” he smiled. Then he looked down at his chest. “Damn, that’s a lot of blood,” he said, trying unsuccessfully to laugh.

He continued his slow breathing, wincing once in a while to withstand the pain he wouldn’t admit he felt.

Max wouldn’t have been in this pain if he didn’t come here. I leaned forward and kissed his forehead. It was still warm and getting hotter unlike his hand, which was getting colder, death-like. Below my hand, his began to shake and his whole body shivered as if he were freezing. His body continued to tremble in my lap and as I held him tight, I trembled with him. It wasn’t his tremors that caused me to tremble, I was shaking with fear.

“No,” I cried, shaking my head. “Max, look, we still can try again. You’ll be fine. Come on, you can heal yourself. Please?” I begged.

“I love you, Liz,” Max declared, ignoring my plea. “I always have.” Max gave a little laugh. “This seems a little weird,” he said. “Like a movie. Like Saving Private Ryan when the medic got shot. You know…where the he’s about to…”

“Don’t say it,” I said, the tears falling down my face. “You’ll be fine.”

“Don’t do that,” Max laughed. “Don’t cry.”

He managed to lift his shaky, dry hand to my face, cupping the left side of my face in his hand. He wiped the tears away with his thumb as I cuddled my face into his palm. His tremors were getting worse by the second and his temperature was still rising.

“I love you, Max,” I continued to cry despite him telling me not to. “If I hadn’t come here, you wouldn’t have—”

“None of us could have predicted that this would happen,” he said. Max looked down again. “God…” he laughed. “It takes a really long time to die, doesn’t it?” He coughed slightly, gurgling up some blood.

“Shut up,” I told him.

“Come on…you have to admit. I’ve…I’ve been stabbed near the heart…I’m losing a lot of blood…and it’s taking a while,” he said. But then he looked up at my sullen face and Max swallowed hard as he nodded. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “Look…whatever you do…don’t blame yourself for tonight…please don’t.”

He coughed again and more blood came up which he tried to swallow back down. His eyes continued to flood with tears like mine had. A tear poured out of his eye and down his temple. My own tears poured out as I watched it fall.

His hand grazed my cheek once again. “I love you,” he whispered.

The instant his pinky touched my cheek, flash after flash flooded into my mind rapidly. People say that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die. As Max's hand made it slowly down my cheek, I saw all the flashes come to a slower speed. They were all of me, from the moment I was born to this moment right now. I was seeing the flashes that Max was seeing. I was his life.

Max brought his hand back down, and gave a final, little smile, then he closed his eyes as he did. He took that one deep breath and his tears stopped falling. My own tears were a different story. They couldn’t stop coming as I stared at his lifeless face in disbelief. It was over, Max was gone.

“Max…” I cried. “No…”

I picked up Max's hand and kissed his palm, and then I leaned forward and kissed a dry area of the hand over his heart. Finally, I moved to his face, his beautiful face, and kissed his lips. When my lips pressed hard against his, I still felt a spark.

“I love you,” I whispered.

I pressed my forehead against his, letting my tears fall onto his face. He laid limp in my arms and when my forehead applied pressure to his, Max's head pushed back. There really was no life left in him.

I looked over my shoulder at Logan. He was still lying across the floor, unconscious. Glancing at his swollen eye, I quickly brought my attention back to Max, remembering Max's black eye I had healed.

“Maybe…” I said to myself.

I took my hand off of Max's, just about an inch or two. I closed my eyes and concentrated hard. Please… I thought to myself. I bit down on the nothingness in my mouth and took deep breaths. I would never find out if I didn’t try.

TBC

*some dialogue was borrowed from the episode "Who Died and Made You King?" Credit given to the writers of the show. -hoLLy*

[hoLLyBEHRy]

*Ok, just to let you all know, I was going to prolong posting the conclusion of this chapter but because it's SAFIRESKYE's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY , by the way!!!:D ) I'm going to post it now instead of tomorrow. I'm also posting Chapter 42.

And once again, big thanks goes out to Deb (lovalien) because that damn writer's block hit me upside the head again in Chapter 41: Part 2. So thank you, Deb. I did tweak it a bit, but nothing too big. You're doing a great job! THANKS!!!

Ok, without futher ado. The conclusion to chapter 41...*


Chapter 41: Part 2

[Liz]

But as I sat there with my hand over Max's heart, nothing happened. Max's eyes didn’t open like I had wished for and there was still a hole in his chest.

My hands cupped his face and I let them graze his cheeks. Then that was it. I blinked a few times and then finally wiped the tears away from my eyes and cheeks. A few sniffles and I slowly lied Max on the floor. I stood above him, staring at his face. He looked like he was asleep, but I knew that he wasn’t.

Instantly, I felt incomplete. There was nothing inside of me. No feeling. No emotion. Nothing. I was empty. The one person that brought me back to life, gave me life, and was my life, was gone. The one person I lived for wasn’t alive anymore. He ceased to exist.

I re-wiped my eyes again and moved over towards the end table near my bed to grab a quarter for the payphone. I noticed on Eileen's bed a few things that hadn’t been there before. One was a book, one my Grandma Claudia read to me when I was a little girl. The other was a small box, a ring box. I took a seat on my roommate'ss bed and opened up the book. There was Max, the main character, dressed in his wolf suit. I remembered my Max's story about his first Halloween. I closed the book and grabbed the small box next to me. I pried it open and found a beautiful, shiny ring. The diamond stone, magnificent and all things wonderful. I gave a little smile and put it around my left ring finger.

“I wanted you to give that back to your father,” someone said.

My head shot up and I stared at Max standing before me.

“Max???”

He gave a little nod.

“What…What happened?” I wondered. “You just died.”

He looked into my eyes with his amber ones and grinned. “I think you brought me back,” he said simply.

My tears of sadness became tears of joy as I jumped up and into Max's arms. “Oh my God,” I cried. “I thought I lost you.”

While Max held me, he shook his head. “I thought I lost you, too,” he sighed. “But...you brought me back.”

I gave a little nod and pulled away to grab Max's face only to pull him into a kiss.

“What were you saying about the ring?” I asked when our lips parted.

“I came in hopes of winning you back,” Max revealed. “But when I was stabbed…I knew that…I knew that I…um…that I wouldn’t…” He looked down at the floor and shook his head. “I wanted you to give it back to your father so that he could give it to your future husband to give to you. I—I didn’t have a chance to tell you that.”

At first, I couldn’t believe he was saying what he just said, but I stared into his eyes and realized what he said was true. He was always thinking about me and my well-being.

I held him in my arms and held onto him tight, not wanting to ever let him go. It was a surreal moment, something I couldn’t believe. I never believed I could be so lucky. I didn’t deserve to be able to hold Max in my arms, to have him back in my life. Now, I understood what Max had said before, about a second chance at life.

I didn’t want to discuss the past, not now. There would be plenty of time to do it later. Now I just wanted to feel him near me, to hold him and reassure myself he was real and not a figment of my imagination. A vision I would conjured to fight the emptiness that had been mounting in me when he was dead… even now the thought left me shivering in fear because I knew at that moment that I wouldn’t have been able to live without him.

I knew the road ahead of us would not be the easiest, but the darkness I felt when he was gone just those few seconds…It was something I didn’t want to feel again. It had been like being thrown into a black hole without light, without feelings, without…air.

I had never felt pain like that, it had been consuming and had taken my whole body. I didn’t know if I would have been able to move, to protect myself if Logan had woken up…I don’t even if I would have tried because I didn’t care any longer.

I kissed him again to fill the hole that had appeared in me and when our lips parted I saw his eyes shine with love. I knew I couldn’t run anymore and I didn’t want to, even if I could escape everything my love for him would always burn in me preventing me from leaving my only love.

“I’m glad you’re back,” I told him, changing the subject, not caring about what he said just seconds earlier.

“Thank you for bringing me back,” he smiled.

I gave a little shrug with a sly grin on my face. “I guess we’re even.”

Max sighed in relief of everything and smiled.

“Come on,” I told him, “let’s go home."
___________________

*some lines were borrowed from "Ch-Ch-Changes. you know the deal...*

[hoLLyBEHRy]

Chapter 42

[Maria]

“Liz!!!” I shouted.

She and Max stepped off the boarding terminal and into the airport where I ambushed her with a hug. I pulled her away from Max's grip and hugged her tightly.

“I’m so glad you’re back to stay!” I smiled. “Good job, Max.”

He grinned and then kissed the top of my head. “It was your idea, Maria.”

“I know, I know,” I smiled proudly. “Come on, let’s get your luggage and head back home. You have to tell me about all the details in the car.”

*~*

“Oh my God!” I cried. I turned towards Max and wrapped my arms around him.

“Maria!” I heard him groan. “You’re choking me…”

I quickly took my arms away. “I’m sorry,” I apologized. “But I mean…you died.”

From behind him, I saw Max nod while keeping his eyes on the road. Liz and I were in the backseat, discussing the events of last night. I sat in horror and shock as Liz described to me the gruesome scene that must have traumatized her. But as my best friend spoke to me, with such confidence and demeanor, I knew that Liz was going to be ok. It was the first time she was going to be ok in a long while.

“But Liz brought me back,” Max said.

I looked in the rear view mirror and could tell there was a smile on his face.

“So, what does this mean?” I wondered. “Can Liz heal?”

Max finally looked over his shoulder and caught Liz’s eyes. The two of them shrugged their shoulders and Max went back to focusing on the road.

“We don’t know,” he replied. “I can only heal, not bring the dead back to life. Maybe Liz was able to use my powers along with hers to save me.”

“Ah,” I pondered. “I see. Teamwork. Good job.”

Liz rolled her eyes and lied in my lap. “Max is alive and well, and that’s all that matters,” she sighed.

I looked in the rear view mirror again for Max's expression. He looked down and gave a little grin.

“Ok, well what happened to that Logan guy?” I asked.

Liz sat up and pushed herself away slightly. I take it that she didn’t want to talk about it, being that she was almost raped by the guy. The backseat talk with Liz was horrible. I had to listen to appalling things like Liz being harassed by some guy who stabbed Max in the chest. It was terrible and it must’ve been hell for Max and Liz.

“Logan was knocked unconscious by Max's punch,” Liz said, despite having to remember the fact that she was almost raped. “He was still out when Max came back, so I cleaned up Max with my powers,” she told me with a grin, proud that she had newfound powers. “Then he healed Logan, taking off a bruise and waking him up in the process. When Logan woke up, he had a headache and couldn’t remember what happened. So, we told him he passed out from all the alcohol and…that was it.”

“That was it?” I wondered.

Liz nodded. “He bought it and left, thinking that he dropped me off and then passed out.”

“What did you tell your dad?” I asked. “Didn’t he wonder why you wanted to come home, Liz?”

Liz shrugged. “I haven’t told him anything yet. We forged the papers at Winnaman. Whatever we tell him, my father will understand.”

“Are you done with the questions, Maria?” Max asked, looking in the rear view mirror. “I’m not so sure we want to remember last night.”

I looked over at Liz who gave a slight nod of agreement, and I bobbed my head in return. “Ok,” I told them. “But just answer me this: What about the two you? Are you back together?”

Liz and Max exchanged looks, which weren’t exactly ecstatic, over joyful ones that I hoped I’d see.



{Michael}

Was the wedding back on? I knew that was on everyone’s minds, and yes, even on my mind.

Mine and Maxwell’s upbringings were completely different. He lived in an upper-class home on the good part of town. In ten years, I had lived in six different homes, none of which were as nice as Maxwell’s or close to Maxwell’s . Maxwell had two parents who loved him and supported him. I lived with six different foster parents before becoming an emancipated minor. Maxwell was privileged, I wasn’t.

Yet, as I grew up without a steady home, I learned how to become strong and fend for myself. Maxwell had everything handed to him on a silver platter. So, when all the alien chaos started happening, I was ready to take on whatever came at me. I knew Maxwell was scared even though he put up a strong front. All the conflict was placed on his doorstep and everyone automatically turned to him because he was the natural leader. I was glad that no one looked to me. I wouldn’t have been able to handle. We don’t give Maxwell enough credit.

That’s why I actually did care whether or not Maxwell got married. He’s taken care of all of us and he deserved the one thing that was important to him, Liz.

Maria, Liz, and Max walked through the doors of the Crashdown and Kyle, Isabel, Jesse, and I rushed over wondering why Liz was coming back. I had an idea that Max and Maria’s little plan worked and that’s why Liz came back, but I had no idea of what exactly happened.

While Isabel hogged Liz, I pulled Maxwell to the side. “Hey, details, please.”

Max nodded and pulled me farther off to the side. “It was a difficult night,” he said. The apprehension in his voice concerned me.

“I’m guessing that there was more than reconciliation last night,” I said. “What the hell happened?”

“I kind of died,” Max replied modestly.

I felt something I hadn’t ever felt before, and it hurt. If we had lost Maxwell, I don’t know how I’d deal. He was my brother.

“How?” I wondered.

Maxwell cleared his throat. “Some guy stabbed me.”

I shook my head in confusion. “Some guy just came out of the blue and stabbed you?”

He scratched the back of his head, which he lowered slightly. “No,” he quietly said. “The guy…uh…”

“Out with it, Maxwell.”

“I think he was about to rape Liz,” he blurted. My eyes immediately widened as Max looked down, wanting to forget last night. “But I—I walked in before he could go any farther.”

“Ok, I got it, Maxwell,” I told him so that he wouldn’t have to recount the experience. “Just…um…how did you…not die?”

Max gave an exhausted sigh. “I got stabbed near the heart, I was dying, Liz kissed me, and she brought me back.”

“That’s great,” I laughed. “Does that mean she has the ability to heal?”

“We don’t know what it means? Liz is still learning about her powers. It’ll take time.”

I patted Maxwell on the back and looked over at Liz who was releasing herself from Kyle’s hold. I gave a little smile I saw the happiness from Liz’s. “It’s good to have you back, Maxwell,” I said. He appreciatively smiled. I still had one lingering question though. “Um…the final question is, Maxwell,” I started, scratching my forehead. “Is the wedding back on?”

He looked over at his shoulder at Liz, I assumed, wondering the same thing. When he turned back to me, Maxwell shrugged his shoulders and got off the stool, tapping my hand. We walked back over to the group.

“It’s good to have you back,” I said, giving Liz a hug. “Maria’s been driving me crazy.”

As I expected, Maria slapped my arm.

“Thanks,” Liz laughed. ‘It’s definitely good to be back home.” She glanced over at Max.

I knew it. Sooner or later, Maxwell and Liz were going to get back together. We’d just have to give it time.

[hoLLyBEHRy]

*You're very welcome, SAFIRESKYE. Hope you had a great birthday. *


Chapter 43

{Max}

“You know,” Liz smiled, “people think you’re stalking me.”

I gave a little laugh as I grabbed for a fry from the basket. “Why do they say that?”

Liz shrugged her shoulders as she started lifting up chairs, turning them upside down, and putting them on tables. I quickly dropped my fry and started to help her.

“Thanks,” she smiled.

“No problem,” I grinned. “Now why do people say I’m stalking you?”

Liz gave a little laugh as we moved onto the next table. “You’ve been here every night since we got back from Vermont. You sit at the same stool at the counter. You order the same thing every time. According to customers, you’re always staring. And you’re always here even after closing.”

I chuckled and grabbed the last chair from Liz’s hands. “And what do you say to these people?”

Liz shrugged again. “I tell them that I’ve called the police on you already.”

I rolled my eyes and went back to my seat at the counter. “That’s very funny.”

“Good,” Liz smiled, “’cause it’s all true.”

I chuckled to myself as I doused another French fry with Tabasco sauce and tossed it into my mouth. It had been quiet these past few days. I enjoyed loving Liz from afar, like before. I just wish it could be something more. I mean, I went to Vermont wanting to bring Liz back as my fiancée, but things happened. I didn’t know what we were. I didn’t want to bring it up because of what else happened in Vermont.

“You don’t mind if I stay, do you?” I asked.

She walked around the counter and started putting up the pastries. “No, stay as long as you want.”

I nodded in thanks and went back to giving my basket of fries my full attention. They had gotten cold while I helped Liz with the chairs. I held my hand over the basket and listened to them sizzle. As I reached for the bottle of Tabasco, I looked up at Liz, doing a double take. She was still amazed by my powers; she had that dazed look in her eyes as she stared at my hand still over the fry basket.

“What is it?” I laughed.

“Will I be able to do stuff like that?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Maybe. I guess we’ll find out sooner or later.”

“You’re not very comforting,” Liz sighed. “Do you think that maybe I’ll get my own special power too?”

Again, I shrugged my shoulders. “We could always get together and explore. I can teach you how to control the powers you have now.”

Liz nodded appreciatively. “I’d like that.”

She and I looked into each other’s eyes and smiled. We still weren’t together. I was giving her the space she wanted, even though I practically lived at the Crashdown, but I didn’t press the possibility of us getting back together, and I think that’s the space that Liz wanted.

I can remember my reason for going to Vermont. I thought that there was a chance for us to try again, and I still did, but I didn’t press it. I didn’t want to have to bring up Vermont and me dying, but I realized that I had to.

“I never thanked you for bringing me back,” I said.

“What?” Liz asked. She was concentrating on getting salt into the salt shakers.

“Thank you,” I said.

Liz shook her head in confusion and put the funnel she held down. “For what?”

I stirred the ketchup in my basket with a fry. “Thank you for bringing me back.”

Liz gave a little smile and shook her head. “I don’t know if I would say that I brought you back to life…” she said modestly.

But I shook my head and continued to stare at my fry basket. “I…I think I was dead,” I told her. “I was…I was somewhere else. I don’t know where, but I knew that it wasn’t in your arms.”

“Well, that’s right,” Liz nodded. “’Cause, technically, you were in my lap.”

I looked at her sternly. “I’m serious.”

“Sorry,” she apologized. Then she started staring at my fry basket.

“What is it?” I asked.

Liz slowly lifted her head and looked into my eyes once again. “What was it like, being dead?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook my head. “I don’t…I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I understand,” Liz nodded.

I watched as she picked the funnel back up. She went back to filling the salt shakers and focused completely on them.

“It was hell,” I finally told her. “Figuratively speaking.”

Liz stopped and looked up at me.

I lowered my head slightly. “I mean, I don’t believe in a hell or a heaven, but if there really were, I wasn’t in either. I don’t think I was in hell, it was just torture, you know?”

Liz gave a little nod and continued to stare at me, and I lowered my head a little more. I don’t think I had been more uncomfortable.

“It was lonely,” I described. “It was sad…it was torture…” I looked up for a brief moment and looked into Liz’s eyes. “It…” I sighed, “it was life, so to speak, without you.”

Liz brought her head down as I lifted mine up. I gave a little smile and continued on.

“But being…dead…” I hesitantly said, “it changed me. It made me realize that I need shape up, that I need to change. I’ve taken too many things for granted, like you.”

Liz lowered her head again. I could do nothing but keep my eyes on her. I just watched her as I thought deeply about her, remembering all the reasons why I love her.

“…and I want us to try again,” I finally said.



[Liz]

He had said it once before and I had said that I did want to try again, but that’s when Max was dying. I looked at him and half-smiled.

“You know, I’ve been thinking about it,” I told him. “I mean, you died, Max. You said it yourself, you died in my arms. It was one of the worst things that happened in my life. Those few minutes you were dead, they were the worst few minutes of my life. Knowing that I wouldn’t see you smile again or hear your voice. It was the worst feeling imaginable.

“Sure, I have you back in my life, but you did die. It’s just something that is hard to believe. I lost you for that second you were gone, Max,” I went on. “And I missed you immediately. It was a horrible feeling realizing that you were gone. I just couldn’t picture a future for myself without you. Now, I really know what it’s like to be apart from you, and I really would rather be with you.”

A relieved smile stretched out across Max's face. “Why are you telling me this now? Why not as soon as I came back?” he wondered.

“Because you only brought it up now,” I smiled.

Max rolled his eyes. “I should’ve brought it up sooner.”

“Yeah, you should’ve,” I agreed. “But, um, listen, we’re going to take it day by day. No talk about getting engaged again or a wedding. Not yet.”

Max nodded, agreeing to my terms. “Ok, we’re going to take it slow,” he accepted. “Can I kiss you though?”

I rolled my eyes as I leaned across the counter, grabbing his collar and pulling him down towards me. I planted a kiss on his lips.



“Get off!”

“Please!”

I watched myself as I struggled against Logan. In the motions appearing in my mind, I focused on myself on the bed as the tears fell down my strained face.



I opened my eyes and immediately looked away, ashamed and embarrassed. Max had done the same, and instantly the silence found it’s way between us.

Max sat back down on the stool and I planted my feet firmly on the floor. We both continued to stare away, trying to avoid looking into each other’s eyes.

“I think I should explain,” I finally said.

Max quickly shook his head. “No, you don’t.”

He deserved to know and I knew he must’ve wondered about it since coming back to life a few days ago.

“We were both drunk,” I said. I slowly swallowed down my fear and continued to avoid looking into Max's eyes. “He didn’t get me drunk. I—I wanted to get drunk.”

Max sighed heavily. “Because of me?”

I regretfully agreed. “Because of you,” I admitted, then I quickly looked up and finally locked my eyes with his. “But it isn’t your fault that Logan almost…So don’t blame yourself for any of this, blame me.”

Max brought his head down and shook it slowly while taking a deep breath. He stared into his fry basket once again and then turned around and got off his stool. I watched him in shock as he slowly made his way towards the door. Surprising me, Max turned just before reaching the cash register and came behind the counter.

I continued observing him as he grabbed my hand. “No one’s at fault,” Max said. “I mean, I guess we both are, but we can’t put the blame on anyone. We’re both very flawed people,” he grinned. “I do look at you differently because of what happened, though.”

I stared at him in disbelief, but then again, I couldn’t blame him. So I slowly lowered my head in shame.

But Max lifted my chin with his finger and smiled. “I look at you differently,” he started, “because you’re more beautiful than before. You fought back and you saved me,” he grinned. “You’re strong and you’re gifted, and you’re beautiful.”

Then he kiss my lips, prohibiting me from displaying the smile that would have been on my face.

[hoLLyBEHRy]

*Because I referred TRW to a season of Roswell, I think it’s time for a feel-good episode. But of course, with my story, this feel-good story line’s going to have conflict and problems, but it is mostly a feel-good story line. No big, life-or-death situation that I promise you.*

Chapter 44

[Maria]

“Ok, so, New Year’s Eve,” Kyle started, “who’s up for a good scavenger hunt?”

“Scavenger hunt?” Isabel wondered.

We all sat together at a new circular booth in the Crashdown. Liz and I told her father that when he expanded the small diner, he was going to have to have larger booths. So, when Mr. Parker tore down the wall that divided his diner and the former Yarn Barn, he set up a line of circular booths along one wall. So, now, we had a booth large enough to accommodate a group the size of ours.

Liz and I were in our waitress uniforms taking our lunch break and sitting with everyone at one of the comfortable booths. Jesse was at one end of the booth, wearing a suit, taking his lunch break also. Isabel was by his side, her head resting on his shoulder. Next to her was Kyle, stuffing more and more Orbit Rings into his mouth. I bet it disgusted Liz who sat beside him. And I sat on the other end of the booth, next to Michael who stole a chair from some other table. Even though the booth was larger, it could only sit about one or two more people, so Michael and Max sat in chairs at the end of the table, Michael sitting near me and Max with his chair next to Jesse. Michael could’ve slid into the booth next to me, but he liked straddling the chair and leaning against the back of the chair. It reminded me of old times, of how we used to just sit around and talk.

Jesse took a sip of his cola. “Oh…Kyle,” he said, quickly swallowing his beverage, “you’re talking about Enigma, aren’t you?”

Enigma. The name was enough to get your insides going and the adrenaline pumping. Enigma was thee party of the year. Nothing but loud music, hundreds of people, fireworks, alcohol, sex, and drugs. It’s what New Year’s Eve is all about. That was if you could find it. Enigma was the “X” on the map, and the map were clues that would lead you to the top secret party. Finding the clues and figuring out what they meant was the key.

“You’re never going to find it,” Liz chuckled.

Kyle shook his head proudly. “I have a feeling I’m going to find it this year.”

“Have that feeling next New Year’s Eve,” Jesse replied. “Mr. Evans and our firm are holding that formal New Year’s Eve party at the country club.”

“That’s right,” Max agreed. “And my father’s expecting all of us to be there.”

Michael sighed, scratching his brow. “Formal meaning…?”

“Meaning,” Isabel began to answer, “suit and tie, preferably a bow tie.”

“Penguin suits,” Kyle sighed.

Jesse laughed. “Afraid so. Listen, invite the parents also. And Kyle, I know how your dad likes the whole country-western theme, but no bolo ties.”

I looked up at the clock on the wall. The alien’s hands told me that lunch was almost over. I grabbed Liz’s arm and slapped Michael’s. “Come on,” I told them. “Back to work.”

We said goodbyes to the others as Liz and I got out of the booth and as Michael hopped off his chair. As he watched Liz slide out, Max jumped off and followed behind us. He grabbed Liz’s arm, stopping Liz. Of course, my curiosity took over, and I froze also, gripping onto Michael’s arm, halting him too.

“Um, I was wondering…” Max said coyly. “It would be nice to have a date for this party…so…would you go with me?”

I watched the grin on Liz’s face extend out. “I would love to,” she replied, kissing his cheek.

They were doing the whole “taking it slow” deal. Not like how they said they were this past summer. Then, “taking it slow” was skinny dipping and heavy make-out sessions. Now, “taking it slow” was holding hands and kisses on the cheek. It didn’t matter how fast or slow they went, Max and Liz were madly in love despite all the bad.

I looked over at Michael, smiling happily at the two. I slapped his arm. “Aren’t you going to ask me to go with you?” I wondered.

“What?” Michael growled. “Come on, it’s already implied that we’re going together.”

I stared at him hard. “It would be polite to ask.”

“Fine,” he sighed. “You going to come with me or what?”

Max and Liz gave little chuckles as I slapped Michael’s arm again.



{Isabel}

“So, why did we agree to do this?” Maria wondered.

She, Liz, and I walked into a men’s clothing store, staring at the formal wear.

“I thought it would be fun,” I replied skeptically. “But now, I’m not so sure.”

“Michael’s going to hate whatever I pick for him,” Maria said.

Liz nodded in agreement. “Just wait and see what the guys pick out for us.”

I had originally thought that it would be interesting, and fun, if the girls shopped for the boys’ tuxedos while the boys picked out our dresses. I honestly don’t know why I thought it would be fun. But it was too late now, the boys were searching for our dresses also.

“You know,” Maria said. “We’re going have to get a suit for Kyle also.”

I nodded in agreement and decided to take it upon myself to search for his. I felt so bad for him. Kyle was the only one in our group that didn’t have anybody. He was the odd man out. If I wasn’t married to Jesse, I know that Kyle and I would definitely get along. But I was married to Jesse, and Kyle was just a friend. Our friend who was alone.

“Do you think he’d be upset if I set him up on a date with a friend of my from Roswell U.?” I wondered.

Liz shook her head as she looked over at Maria who did the same thing. “No, I don’t think he’d mind at all. I think he should have a date. It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, just don’t remind him of that,” Maria grinned.



{Michael}

“So, why’d we say we’d do this?” I wondered.

Maxwell rolled his eyes at me while he and Jesse continued walking into the boutique. I hesitantly followed them into the potpourri smelling store. Isabel was going to pay for making us choose their dresses.

“It was a good idea,” Jesse sighed. “This way, we can dress the girls the way we want them to.”

“I don’t really think that was the idea,” Max laughed. “Michael, don’t be perverted and give something Maria something skimpy.”

“Hey!” I said defensively. “I wasn’t going to—well, wait, what is considered skimpy?”

Maxwell rolled his eyes again. But it was a joke. I wanted Maria to look just as beautiful as the next girl.

“The girls have it easy,” Jesse claimed. “Tuxedos will be easy for them. For us? I can’t say the same.”

I nodded my head in agreement. “I’ll just tell you this, we’re not doing this for the prom or any other time.”

“Just consider what dress would compliment Isabel’s and Maria’s figures,” Maxwell said.

Jesse and I shot each other glances of worry and then we shot them over at Max. We tried our best to hide the smiles from our faces.

“Spend a little too much time with the girlfriend, Maxwell?” I laughed.

“Shut up,” Max sighed. “I just want to make sure it’s a perfect night. I don’t want any squabbling or bickering. So, make sure the dress you pick out for Isabel and Maria are ones that they’ll like. I want them to be happy and I want make sure I find a dress for Liz that will make her happy also.”

I knew that tone in Maxwell’s voice. It was determination.

“It sounds like you’re setting this night up to be something special, Maxwell,” I said. “What are you planning on doing?”

He looked at me and shook his head. “I’m not doing anything, Michael.”

“No,” Jesse disagreed. “I can tell also. You’re up to something, Max. Just tell me now what it is, ‘cause if it’s something big, maybe you shouldn’t do it at your father’s party. A lot of important people are going to be there and—”

“It’s nothing bad, Jesse,” Max said, calming his brother-in-law down.

“So, you are doing something,” I grinned. I looked over at Jesse and thanked him for cleverly weaseling it out of Maxwell, Jesse shrugged his shoulders modestly. “Spill, Maxwell,” I ordered.

He pretended to ignore me and continued walking around the boutique like he was genuinely interested.

“Come on, Max,” Jesse begged.

“Fine,” Max sighed. “I was going to ask Liz to marry me.”

My right eyebrow hiked upwards. “Again?”

“Yes, again,” Max sighed. “And yes, it’ll be the third time if she says yes. What’s the big deal?”

“Max, you two just started over,” I tried to explain. “I thought you were taking it day by day.”

Max sighed heavily. “What’s the use of doing that? We know we love each other. We know that we want to marry each other.”

“Are you sure?” Jesse asked. “You guys have been unsuccessfully engaged twice. Is Liz thee one?”

Max picked a spot at his toes and stared for a moment. It worried me slightly. I wondered what Maxwell was going to say, how he was going to react. No one had ever questioned whether or not Max and Liz were the right ones for each other.

“You know,” Max said, “there was a time when Liz and I weren’t together and I thought about all the shit I put her through and all the reasons that tore us up, and I did believe that Liz wasn’t the one for me.”

It had definitely shocked me that Maxwell had those kind of doubts. I always looked up to him, even though he was brand new to the whole king thing. Yet, I did look up to him, believing that he had no fears like that, but Max did. I guess he had the right to feel that way. I would never be able to truly understand it because I don’t have the type of relationship that Max and Liz had.

“But I looked at all those things more closely,” Max continued on. “I looked at what we went through, what we fought against, what happened afterward, and how we felt afterward, and Liz and I still loved each other. We never stopped and I don’t think we ever will. There was one time when she hurt me, but I still loved her. I was with someone else, but I still loved only her. There is no doubt in my mind, Jesse, that Liz is the one for me.”

[hoLLyBEHRy]

*Hey all. Ok, I'm on spring break and I live on a military base in Japan 'cause my pop is in the military and since I can't drive off base (you have to be 18 to do so and I'm not so...) I'm stuck at home. I absolutely have no life...well, Roswell's my life and thus, I've gone "post-happy" (you know...like "trigger-happy". yeah...I'm a dork...) Hope you guys can keep up.

scarlettlily wondered:

Nice feel-good thing but why does Max have to ask again so soon.

Answer: Because I want them to get married soon!!! LoL.

and sare (sarah): thanks so much!!! i love you too!!! i love all my readers! thanks you guys! y'all are the best.


Chapter 45

[Liz]

“Ok, now whose idea was it to exchange outfits for the New Year’s Eve party on New Year’s Eve?” Maria whined. “Christmas is over, this isn’t some Secret Santa type of thing.”

She continued to follow me around as I worked my shift at the Crashdown. I had just placed a plate of food in front of customer while Maria was still on my tail, pestering me about the New Year’s Eve party.

“Would you relax?” I told her. “New Year’s Eve is tomorrow.”

Maria sighed. “You have nothing to worry about,” she claimed. “Max is the perfect gentleman. He’s going to pick you out, like, some stunning gown and perverted Michael’s going to…I don’t even want to know what he was thinking.”

“Don’t you have faith in Michael that he might actually get you something beautiful?” I wondered.

“Liz…” she said, glaring at me. “Seriously, think about what you just said.”

I finally nodded in agreement and kept on taking orders while Maria kept on following me. “Listen, Maria,” I told her. “Michael loves you. He loves you more than you know and you’ve made him better after all these years. Have faith in him.”

“It’s hard to,” Maria said negatively. “Michael and I…it’s not what you and Max have. It’s more like work instead of love.”

“If you see your relationship as this negative thing,” I told her, “then I don’t know if you’re in love, but I know you are, Maria. So, just talk to Michael about this. And you can’t compare yourself to Max and I, because all relationships are different, especially mine and Max's. All relationships are special in their own way. So, you can’t model yours after ours.”

“Speaking of which,” Maria grinned and I knew that grin, “how is the relationship so far?”

I gave a little smile and rolled my eyes, walking away from Maria. It had been almost a week since Max and I returned from Vermont. Since then, everything’s run smoothly between us. We stopped looking at the past and our mistakes and just lived day by day like I requested. I beat Max at Putt Putt, we spent time at the movies, and almost every other night, Max and I would have dinner together, either at his apartment, a restaurant, or even with my parents or his. It was like a normal relationship. Max even took me to party that his co-worker from B&A held. Max introduced me as his girlfriend. It felt so good to be just Max's girlfriend, but I couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel if he introduced me as his fiancée, and I thought that it would feel even better.

“So far, it’s…ok,” I smiled.

“No, no, no,” Maria refused to believe. “I know that little sneer of yours. You and Max are back to being head-over-heels in love. Oh, how I loathe you…”

I rolled my eyes and wrapped my arm around my best friend, kissing her on the cheek. “Max and I have always been in love.”

“What’s making it work this time?” Maria wondered.

I shook my head and shrugged. “I really don’t know,” I honestly told Maria. “Max said that when I brought him back, he changed. Maybe I changed too. We’ve just grown to really appreciate what we have.”

“Maybe I should have someone kill Michael and have him brought back to life,” Maria joked.

I stared her down and shook her head. “Yeah…not funny.”

“So, what’s the deal then?” Maria asked. “You guys were engaged…twice if you don’t mine me bringing it up again. What’s going to happen next?”

I looked at Maria and actually deliberated what was next. A sly grin showed up on my face and my best friend grew worried.

“I think it’s my turn to propose,” I finally said.

“Ok, first of all,” she began, “the words ‘propose’ and ‘it’s my turn’ should not be associated with each other, but in your guys’ case, they sadly are. Second, are you crazy?”

I made my way through the maze of tables in the diner and continued waitressing. “What is the big problem?” I wondered, smiling as I placed another plate of food in front of another customer. “Maria, Max has done it twice, and he’s gone out of his way both times.”

“You know,” Maria sighed. “This is so horrible that we can actually say that you’ve been engaged twice to the same man. There’s seriously something wrong with that.”

“Well, now we can say three times.”



{Max}

I jogged over to the pounding on my door and looked through the peep hole. I rose an eyebrow as I welcomed my guest.

“Michael, what are you doing here?” I greeted.

He pushed past me and invited himself into my apartment and headed straight for my master bedroom. I looked over my shoulder at him and closed the door only after peering into the hallway, wondering where the fire was. When I met up with Michael, he was rummaging through my closet.

“Where is it?” he growled.

My eyebrow was still hiked up. “Where’s what?”

“Where’s your tuxedo for the party tomorrow night?”

I shrugged my shoulders and took a seat on bed, watching Michael. “It’s at Liz’s, I guess. We’re not exchanging outfits until—”

“Tomorrow,” Michael finished. “Yeah, I know, but I was hoping that maybe Liz would have given you yours early.”

I shook my head in confusion. “And why?”

“I don’t know, I just wanted to get an idea of what Maria got for me,” Michael quickly replied. “By seeing yours, I figured that maybe mine would be the same.”

“Sorry,” I empathized. “Wait…what does it matter what you look like, Michael? You’ve never cared what you’ve dressed like.”

“That was because I’ve never partied with the Roswell Elite.”

“They’re just people, Michael.”

“They’re your type of people, Maxwell, not mine. They’re high class, rich, educated…all the things I’m not.”

My eyes narrowed as I watched my best friend lean against the wall, defeated. “Michael…” I sighed. “You’re worried about what they’ll think of you.”

He sadly nodded.

I sighed once again. “Why?”

“Because I’m tired of looking like a charity case, I want to be better than that for Maria.”

A little smile grew on my face. It wasn’t about just Michael, it was about Maria also.

“You are better, Michael,” I asserted. “And you are better because of Maria. You and her think alike. She’s not going to care what the Roswell Elite think of you because that’s not really what matters.”

Michael took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m still the kid that grew up with the asshole of a foster parent who only kept me for the monthly checks that kept him drunk.”

Hank Whitmore. He was one of the biggest mistakes in the world along with the FBI’s Special Unit. I hated the man for the way he treated Michael. If he hadn’t left Roswell, I would have killed him sooner or later.

“Michael,” I sighed, “you turned your life around and you went out on your own. You didn’t just run away, either. You went through all the steps to being legally independent. You’re independent and you’re happy. That makes you just as good, if not better, than the Roswell Elite, because you have your friends who love you, and that’s what makes you rich.”

Michael gave a genuine smile. “I can feel the flood gates opening,” he said afterward, wiping fake tears from his eyes.

“All I’m saying is, you shouldn’t give a damn about what the Roswell Elite thinks because you have nothing to worry about.”

“I know, Maxwell,” Michael nodded. “I know. I’m better than the Roswell Elite because I have my family. I have you guys.”

I gave a little chuckle and pointed at Michael. “Now that,” I said. “That is a tearjerker.”

“Ok,” Michael sighed in relief. “Now, I can go home and freak about whether or not Maria will like her dress or not. Just as a general wonderment: What do you think our tuxedos will look like?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know, but it can’t be as bad as a sky blue tuxedo with ruffles.”

“Like on Dumb&Dumber,” Michael cheered. “I love that movie. Do you think I can get the orange one?”

I closed my eyes and rubbed them with the thumb and index finger of my left hand. “Michael, you’re still a kid at heart,” I sighed. “Oh, hey, listen. Why don’t you just stay the night? I mean, you’ve got Maria’s dress here for safe keeping. Tomorrow we can just have Maria and Liz come over here and drop off our tuxedos. The girls want us to arrive at the party together anyway.”

“Does it have to be so complicated?” Michael sighed. “Why can’t anything we do be simple?”

I gave a little grin. “We don’t know what simple is.”

[hoLLyBEHRy]

ANd so continues my posting frenzy. Four chapters in one day. *phew*

Ok, so it's time for the New Year's Eve ball. I have been bored out of my mind and so if you would like to see pictures of the outfits the characters are wearing, go ahead and check them out at http://www.xanga.com/hollybehry. Yeah...I think I need a life, or maybe a job... The pictures might not work, let me know if they do or don't.

EDITED TO SAY: THE PICTURES DO NOT WORK...right now. I'm working on it and I'll let you know when they do. So until then use your imagination!

EDITED TO SAY: THEY SHOULD WORK NOW. LoL. I was super bored as you can see.

Chapter 46

NEW YEAR’S EVE

EVANS&ANDERSON’S FIRST ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL AT GLEN HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

{Max}

With the top of my Chevelle convertible down, Michael and I arrived at Glen Hills Country Club, my father’s country club. Large lights were set up at the entrance, attracting people from all over town. Men in white dress shirts, black bow ties, and red vests were waiting outside. Some were helping people out of their cars, taking keys and getting into the cars themselves. Apparently, my father definitely went out of his way to make this party a success since he hired the valet to work tonight.

“Maxwell, I do believe we’ve hit the big time,” Michael sighed happily.

I pulled my car to the front and put my car in park but left it running as Michael and I got out. I handed the valet a ten dollar bill and he went off to park my car. I grabbed the ends of my tuxedo jacket and gave it a little tug. It had to be one of the most uncomfortable suits I had been in. But as I looked at the people entering the country club, I didn’t have it that bad. Michael wore the same tuxedo, but his was slightly different. He had noticed it also.

We stepped into the country club and the whole place was filled with guests attending the ball. The large main hall was turned into the ballroom. The dining room remained the dining room, yet caterers dressed in white dinner jackets walked around with trays held high as they weaved in and out of all the guests. No doubt that on the trays were caviar on the fanciest crackers and cheese that smelt horrible but cost a fortune. My father definitely knew how to throw a party.

In the back, a large bar was set up. Seemed like there were already a few people who had hit the bar for a few drinks. Next to the bar was where the big bandstand was set up. It was mostly composed of quite a few violinists and the brass section; trumpets, trombones, and three tubas. When Michael and I walked in, they played a waltz but then once the song was done, they made an excellent transition into a more upbeat song. The whole town was definitely here. Men and women of all ages were there, wearing tuxedos and gowns.

“Maxwell, I feel ridiculous,” Michael continued to complain.

I looked around the room and then at Michael’s tuxedo and laughed. “You look fine,” I smiled. “All the men are wearing practically the same thing.”

“But my tux is white, completely white,” Michael pointed out. “I’m sticking out like a sore thumb.”

Sadly, Michael was right. He was wearing a classic tuxedo, white full dress tailcoat with white trousers, a white dress shirt, a white vest, and a white bow tie. All the other males dressed like me, I had a black full dress tailcoat and black trousers on but a white dress shirt, white vest, and white bow tie like Michael. Some men wore the classic black tuxedo with black ties and black vests or a black tie and white vests or different combinations, but the coat and trousers were all black. Michael was the only one dressed in all white.

“Yeah,” I laughed. “I guess you do.”

“So, come on, switch jackets with me,” he demanded.

I shook my head as I continued to chuckle. “Sorry, Michael. You look fine. You stand out and look appealing. Stop complaining. I think Maria did you a favor.”

We caught Kyle across the room, hanging out at the bar, sipping on what looked like a glass of vodka, but I knew it had to be Sprite or 7Up. On the way over, Michael contemplated whether he should “accidentally” spill wine on himself or cherry pie. As soon as we walked up to Kyle, Michael pointed a finger at him.

“Hey!” he cried. “Why does Kyle get to dress like James Bond while you and I have to dress like we’re going to a party on the Titanic?”

“At least people don’t think you’re the help,” Kyle sighed. “Mayor Higgins flagged me down twice for his ‘usual’.”

Michael and I both laughed. Maybe Michael and I had it easy. Kyle was stuck in a cummerbund.

Michael leaned his back against the bar and propped up his elbows. “Any of you guys know how to waltz?” he wondered.

“It does look like a blast from the past, doesn’t it?” Kyle sighed, referring to the party.

I nodded in agreement and scanned the room. “Feels like we’re attending a party from the first half of the 20th century,” I agreed.

Everyone on the dance floor were dancing properly. The men, especially, looked as if we all looked like we were from the early 1900s. Kyle parted his hair in the middle and kept it still by gelling it and I combed my hair over to the side, also using gel to make it stick . Michael even got his hair trimmed, at Maria’s request, and slicked it back.

The three of us loitered around the bar, people-watching. I knew that all three of us were quickly trying to learn the waltz step in case we were asked to dance. Neither of us were able to pick it up.

“How are you guys enjoying the party?” someone greeted.

Michael, Kyle and I turned to the right and found Isabel linking arms with Jesse.

“Maxwell, we got jipped,” Michael complained. “Jesse and Kyle don’t have tailcoats.”

“You look handsome, Michael,” Isabel smiled. “You too, Max and Kyle.”

I gave a little grin and kissed my sister’s cheek and shook Jesse’s hand. “You look gorgeous, Iz.”

“Thanks,” she smiled again, practically cheering.

“Don’t worry about the tailcoats,” Jesse said. “You two look fine. You look very sophisticated. I would’ve actually preferred the tailcoats myself. I feel a little out of place.”

“I’m sorry,” Isabel sighed. “I didn’t like the whole badger look.”

I gave a chuckle. “I think you mean beaver, Iz.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. We’re going to continue dancing.”

“You know how to waltz, Jesse?” Kyle laughed.

“It’s not too hard,” Jesse shrugged. “You guys have fun.”

As they started to walk towards the dance floor, Isabel grabbed my arm and pulled herself close to me. “Listen,” she told me. “There’s going to be a girl coming with Liz and Maria. Her name’s Jennifer. She’s for Kyle, so make sure he meets her if I’m not around. You know, I have to do that whole ‘meet the husband’s co-workers’.”

I gave a half smile and watched my sister and her husband walk onto the floor. I had nothing but envy of them. They were happily married, something I wanted with Liz.

Michael sighed heavily in frustration. “When are the girls coming?”

I ordered a coke from the bartender while Michael and Kyle continued to gaze around the room, searching for the girls.

“Wonder no more,” Kyle grinned.

I looked at him pointing at the door. Three stunning women stood at the entrance, scanning over the room, looking for us. Liz looked extravagant. Her grown out bangs were pulled to the back of her head while the rest of her hair flowed magnificently.

Liz must’ve known I was staring at her, because she looked straight at me, spotting me instantly. A smile stretched out on her face while my jaw continued to rest on the floor. She was stunning.

My eyes were glued to Liz as she and the girls walked over to us. I don’t know how Michael was reacting, but I assumed it was the same way I was because Maria looked just as wonderful. And the other girl that arrived with Liz and Maria was also attractive. Kyle must’ve been drooling. She was definitely what Kyle had been looking for in a long while. She was tall with long blond hair, and her emerald eyes were enthralling. Not my type though. Liz was my type.

“Hi, you guys,” Maria smiled.

I know that the three of us continued to stare. We had been able to bring our jaws off the ground, but we were still working on blinking and speaking. But us guys weren’t the only ones staring, Liz was looking into my eyes, grinning (no doubt laughing inside) at our thunderstruck expressions.

“This is Jennifer,” Liz announced, finally taking her eyes away.

“I think they’re shell-shocked,” the girl I assumed was Jennifer said.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and finally woke from my stupor. I looked to the new friend and held out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Max,” I told her. Then I gestured towards the two guys to my right. “This is Michael and Kyle,” I deviously grinned.

Jennifer finished shaking my hand and held it our for Michael and Kyle. I lightly nudged Michael in the side, waking him up.

“Oh, my apologies,” Michael said politely. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Maria chuckled at the way Michael replied. My apologies. It was the first time any of us heard Michael being so polite.

Kyle grabbed and kissed the back of Jennifer’s hand. I caught Maria and Michael rolling their eyes.

“Kyle Valenti,” he said. “It is definitely a pleasure to meet you. Do you want to dance?”

Jennifer nodded and she and Kyle excused themselves.

“Wait,” Michael said, grabbing Kyle’s arm. “You don’t know how to do the waltz.”

“I can learn,” Kyle grinned.

I rolled my own eyes and brought them back to Liz where they needed to be. Our eyes met once again and I found myself staring. Liz gave a little laugh and got on her toes, reaching to kiss my lips. I snapped out of it once again thanks to the kiss.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized.

Liz chuckled again. “It’s ok.”

“It’s just…” I started, taking a deep breath. “You look…beautiful,” I said, emphasizing each word.

“Thank you. The dress is wonderful, and you look very handsome.”

I smiled and grabbed Liz’s hands, kissing her again. I turned to my right and found Michael and Maria doing the same, yet arguing slightly.

“Did you have to make me wear all white?” Michael whined.

“I wanted you to stick out,” Maria smiled. “You’re lucky I didn’t make you wear the top hat and carry around the cane.”

“Thank you,” Michael said, kissing Maria again. “Come on, I’m starving.”

Maria nodded and looked our way. “You guys coming?”

I looked down at Liz who was watching the dance floor. “I think I want to dance,” she said.

I nervously looked at Michael who just gave me a condescending grin. I looked back to Liz and shook my head. “I—I don’t know how to dance…” I told her. “I mean, I know how…just not the waltz.”

Liz pulled me onto the dance floor anyway. “I’ll teach you,” she said. She pulled me to the middle of the dance floor and held her head high. “Ok, always, always keep your head up,” she instructed. Then she brought my left hand up and out to the side and slid her right hand into it. Then she put her left hand on my right shoulder after placing my right hand just below her left shoulder blade. “Lock your elbows,” she told me, and I did. “Now, it’s just the basic box step,” she explained. “You side step to your left, take a step forward, side step to your right, and take a step back. And then as we do that, we’ll slowly incorporate turns.”

I gave a little nod and started to move as I looked down at our feet. I side stepped left and stepped forward, onto Liz’s dress and I think her feet.

“Damn it,” I cursed. “I’m sorry.”

Liz gave a little laugh and lifted my chin up. “That’s ok. Keep your head up. Just look up at me. Look into my eyes.”

“No problem,” I grinned.

We continued dancing and I even got the hang of it. It was as if we were gliding across the floor. I was on Cloud9 and I couldn’t think of a better feeling. I gave a little laugh when I realized something.

“What?” Liz wondered.

I shook my head and looked around the room. “It’s like that movie, Dirty Dancing,” I told her. “Patrick Swayze’s character was teaching Baby how to ballroom dance.”

Liz half smiled and nodded. “Johnny,” she said. “Patrick Swayze’s character was name Johnny Castle. I love that movie.”

I nodded. “Me too.”

“So, I guess that would make you Baby,” she grinned.

I gave a little laugh and kissed her forehead. “I guess so. Where’d you learn how to dance like this?”

Liz shrugged her shoulders. “My mom wanted me to be well-rounded. So, she signed me up for classes at the Y. One year it was ballet, next year it was ballroom dancing, the year after that it was knitting class. You know, stuff like that.”

There was still a lot that I had to learn about Liz. I didn’t mind it either. I loved getting to know her, knowing her family traditions and customs, knowing how she felt about things, like how she loved The Smurffs. Liz was wonderful.

“Why was it that we only got to know each other sophomore year?” I couldn’t help but wonder.

Again Liz shrugged her shoulders. “Well…you were so quiet,” she replied. “But then this weird thing happened, and you saved my life,” she grinned.

I playfully rolled my eyes. “Oh…right,” I said.

I quickly looked down at my feet and immediately got a scolding from Liz.

“Ah-ah,” she quickly said. “Head up. You’re doing fine.”

“Thanks,” I sighed. “You’re a great teacher.”

Liz smiled. “See, not so hard, is it? It’s simple.”

I looked across the room and found Michael in the dining room, Maria feeding him some of her cake. I looked over at the bar and found Kyle there again. This time, he sat on a bar stool with Jennifer. The smile on his face told me it was the happiest he had been in a while. I looked on the dance floor and spotted Isabel and Jesse, dancing like us, with smiles on their faces and love in their eyes. Then I looked at Liz. I stared into her brown eyes, into her soul.

“Right,” I nodded. “Simple.”

[hoLLyBEHRy]

THANKS SO MUCH TO SAFIRESKY AND SCARLETTLILY AND LOVALIEN for the nominations!!! garsh...I feel so special. THANKS AGAIN!!!

And I apologize, I realize that it's taken me a while to post this next update. But never fear, I the posting frenzy is still on.


Chapter 47

[Maria]

Midnight was only an hour away and it wasn’t a good sign that we were all tired. Kyle did some snooping around the country club and found a secluded lounge that had been closed off for the night. But being the group that we are, Michael unlocked the door and all of us gathered on the couches and at the bar in the lounge and relaxed.

Despite being such a formal party, I knew that we all had fun. After Max and Liz danced, they came over to the group where Max bragged about Liz’s skills. So, Michael, Kyle, and Jesse each had their turn to dance with Liz and learned something. Max took his turn with myself, Isabel, and our new friend Jennifer. He showed off his new moves. He only stepped on my toes once or twice, which wasn’t bad compared to Michael’s dancing. So, while Michael danced with Liz, I prayed that she didn’t get fed up with his klutzy feet.

And she didn’t because Michael came up to me, asked me for a dance, which we did without any of my toes being stepped on. It was definitely a good night.

“I’m exhausted,” Liz sighed. “My feet are killing me.”

“Sorry,” Max, Michael, Kyle, and Jesse said in unison.

Us girls laughed while Liz shook her head. “No, I just meant ‘cause I’ve been on them all day and the shoes aren’t necessarily helping. You guys are excellent dancers.”

All the guys smiled appreciatively and went back to closing their eyes. Max and Liz snuggled close together on one couch while Isabel and Jesse were on another. Instead of being on a couch, I sat on the floor and rested against one with Michael resting his head in my lap while Kyle rested his head on the bar. Our new friend, Jennifer, sat behind him, rubbing his shoulders. They definitely seemed to be getting along.

Kyle burped loudly and quickly covered his mouth. “Sorry,” he apologized.

“Eh,” Michael sighed. “I give it a seven.”

Max squinted, pondering for a moment. “I’ll say eight.”

“Ah, so gracious, Max,” Kyle grinned.

Isabel rolled her eyes. “Only you guys would rate a burp. Kyle, how many drinks did you have tonight?”

“Just one,” he defensively squeaked. “I would have gotten one every time I had to make a bar run.”

“That would be how many?” Liz wondered.

Kyle nervously scratched his head. “Ten,” he coughed.

“Why’d you have to do it so many times?” Jesse asked.

“Because people kept on thinking he was the help,” Jennifer smiled. She was the sweetest and nicest person we had all met in a long time.

“Mayor Higgins kept on flagging me down,” Kyle explained. “After I brought him the first drink, he realized I was the former sheriff’s son and actually apologized. But the guy got buzzed after his first drink and kept on telling me to fetch his usual. So, I got him his martinis. Dry with two olives,” he recalled. “And on one run, I decided to get one for myself.”

Jesse gave a little laugh. “I don’t think it reflects very well on my firm that there’s underage drinking going on.”

“Don’t worry,” Jennifer smiled. “After I caught him with his first drink, he didn’t dare get another one because I don’t date drinkers.”

Kyle smiled and dropped his head back down on the bar.

“This is just sad,” I sighed. “If we’re all tired now, how are we going to make it through prom?”

“We can bring sleeping bags and take sleeping breaks in the corner,” Michael grinned.

I lightly slapped his chest and leaned forward to give him a kiss. Tonight, Michael was different. I don’t know if he changed or was trying to impress the Roswell Elite, but Michael was great. We didn’t argue all night. He was polite and courteous. Not only to me, but to everyone. I kissed hips lips twice.

“What are those for?” he wondered.

“They’re a thank you,” I smiled.

Michael squinted his eyes in confusion. “For what?”

“For tonight.”

“What?”

I kissed his lips again. “Never mind.”

Max slid away from Liz and kissed her cheeks. “Speaking of drinks,” he began. “I’m going to get some. Anybody want anything?”

We threw our orders at Max; three waters for Jennifer, Isabel, and I, a Guinness for Jesse, grape soda for Michael, and a cup of black coffee for Kyle. Liz didn’t want Max to go to too much trouble, so she told him she was fine. Realizing that Max had a lot to remember, the guys jumped to their feet and decided to help him.

“Finally some girl time,” Isabel smiled. “Jennifer, what do you think of Kyle?”

Liz and I sat on edge, wondering the same and eager to find out what the answer was.

“He’s great,” Jennifer smiled. “I really like him.”

I exchanged a pleased and relieved look with Liz and Isabel.

“You don’t know how grateful we are that you said that,” Liz told Jennifer. “I have Max, Maria has Michael, and Isabel has Jesse. Kyle was alone. It’s great that he has someone.”

Jennifer smiled, appreciative that we welcomed her into the group. “I really like Kyle. I’m just hoping that we’ll last like the three of your guys’ relationship.”

“Speaking of relationships,” Isabel grinned, “how are you and my little brother doing?” she asked Liz.

Liz looked across the room at me and the two of us smiled. “We’re doing just fine.”

“You’re going to propose to him!” Isabel gasped.

My eyes grew wide. “How did you know?” I laughed.

Liz had said four simple little words, but somehow Isabel read Liz’s mind.

“You are?” Jennifer wondered.

Liz hesitantly nodded and then embarrassedly rolled her eyes and got off the couch. “I’m going to get some air.”

“Do you need me to come with?” I wondered.

Liz shook her head and left the lounge.

“That’s so great for them,” Jennifer smiled.

“This one better stick,” Isabel said.

My head turned towards the door and all our men stood with drinks in their hands. Michael handed me my glass of water and even though, Liz didn’t want a drink, Max still had two drinks in his hand. I assumed one was for him and the other was for Liz.

“Where’d Liz go?” he wondered.

“Air,” Isabel, Jennifer, and I replied instantly.

Max worriedly looked at Michael, Kyle and Jesse. The three other men just shrugged.

“Alright,” Max sighed. “I guess I’ll just go find her.”

Isabel, Jennifer and I exchanged sly grins.



[Liz]

Midnight was just a little under an hour away and people were still arriving to the party. Valet were running all over the place. And I wasn’t the only person outside getting fresh air, so to speak. A few men were outside smoking fancy, expensive cigars. Thankfully the cool breeze was blowing the smoke away from me and not towards me.

I crossed my arms and tilted my head back to look up at the sky when Max walked up. “They’re really bright this time of year,” I said.

Max wrapped his arm around me and kissed my temple. He remained silent and looked up at the sky with me. This was it, I thought. I really was going to ask Max to marry me. I rubbed my upper arms as I continued to gaze at the stars.

Max quickly jumped when he saw me try to warm myself. He slid his tailcoat off and placed it over my shoulders. I finally brought my head down and looked at the coat around me.

“Thanks,” I smiled.

He nodded with a half smile on his face. “If I was a good boyfriend, I would have done it the second I saw you out here.”

I stared at Max and then shook my head after a moment of hesitation. “No, Max. You’re a great boyfriend,” I told him.

Max nodded again, but it was more of a thanks-for-saying-that nod. “I’ve been hankering to take that coat off anyway,” he said.

I looked at him and laughed. “‘Hankering’?” I grinned.

Max laughed and shook his head. “Been wanting to,” he corrected. “I’ve been wanting to take that coat off all night. These formal suits feel weird, like wearing paper almost. They’re different from the ones I wear to work. The tails bother me too, they tickle the back of my knees,” he laughed. “And bow ties. Hard to breathe in this thing, and when you try to loosen it, you either make no progress or it comes apart completely. I’ve had Isabel fix it about five times tonight.” Max looked down at me and smiled. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m complaining too much.”


I shook my head and stepped in front of him, taking off the tie for him and sticking it into his pocket. “Problem solved,” I smiled.

“Thanks,” he smiled back.

“Listen, Max,” I said. I was about to do it. I was ready to do it. “This past year has been…hectic. So much had gone in the last half of the year and while this past week has been so great, I just want to move past it. There were good times and bad, but I think the bad times outweighed the good.”

Max nodded sadly. “I agree.”

“So, this upcoming year,” I continued. “I just want to start fresh.”

“Me too,” Max nodded. “So, how do we do that?”

A smile stretched across my face. I was still standing in front of Max, holding his hands. Then I got down on my right knee and looked up at him with my smile, which grew wider. I didn’t care the most of my dress lied out across the pavement.

“We do this,” I told him. I grabbed his hand a took a deep breath. “Max Evans, will you marry me?”

Max gave a little chuckle. “You know, my proposals are longer and wordier.”

“Well, mine cuts to the chase,” I grinned.

“True,” Max nodded.

I looked into his eyes, he seemed positive. I wondered what his answer was. “So?” I asked. “What do you say?”

TBC
___________________

Come on, you guys know I had to do it. It's been a little while since I've had a cliffhanger, so I thought it was time for another. That, and I need to touch up the second half. I'll do it really quickly though. 'Cuz I'm still on my posting frenzy!!! Bye for now...

-hoLLy

[hoLLyBEHRy]

Chapter 47: Part 2

[Liz]

Suddenly, Max's smile died away as he leaned forward and helped me to my feet. I had no idea what he was doing or what he was thinking.

“Liz, I’m sorry,” he finally said. “But, no.”

My heart fell to the floor as I stared into Max's honest eyes. He really did say no. I couldn’t think straight. I couldn’t understand why he said no.

“You’re kidding me,” I laughed to his face.

“Liz,” he said sternly. “I can’t. I’m sorry.” He cleared his throat and kissed my cheek.

I continued to stare at him in disbelief. Maybe he was seeing the hurt I was feeling also. “I don’t get it,” I whispered to myself.

He crouched down and tilted his head into look into my eyes since I hung my head low.

“Liz,” he said softly. “Listen, just because I said ‘no’ doesn’t mean that we still can’t be together. We just got back together. I want to make sure the time is right.”

“I thought it was,” I sighed, taking off his coat.

“Keep it on,” he told me. “Stay for the rest of the party. Come on.”

I shook my head and continued to slide off the coat while staring at the floor. I didn't want to see his face. “No, I’m tired. I think I’ll just head on home.”

“Stay? Please?” he begged.